National Holstein Convention

Our Doors are Open
2025 National Holstein Convention
April 1-6 2025

The Nova Scotia-Newfoundland Holstein Branch and members are happy to extend an East Coast welcome to Holstein enthusiasts April 1-5, 2025 in our capital city of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

For the first time, we are pairing the National Holstein Convention with the ever-popular Dairy Focus Atlantic. This tradeshow and speaker series focusing on topics relevant to the dairy industry is sure to kick off the Convention with an educational twist on April 1st and 2nd. Keynote speaker for this event is Aaron Volpatti, who is sure to enchant you with his story of overcoming hardship to find success in the NHL and as an author and motivational speaker.

Thursday, April 3rd, visitors will have the option to tour a variety of local farms, the Coldstream Clear Distillery and visit the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Grounds to preview the show animals. Farm tour guests will be treated to a seafood or alternative lunch option. The alternate tour is curated by management of the Magic Wine Bus. This tour will feature wine tastings along with a delicious wine pairing lunch at Annapolis Valley wineries. In addition, there will be an information session on the famous landscape and Acadian dykelands of Grand Pré. This area has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 2012.

Thursday evening visitors will have time to explore the many restaurants, bars, museums and shops of downtown Halifax before being welcomed back at the hotel with a meet and great social.

Friday, those interested in the Atlantic Spring Showcase will be bused to the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Grounds in Bible Hill, NS. Organized by Atlantic Holstein Promotions, this event will feature top quality Holsteins from Atlantic Canada and beyond. Those not interested in the show will have additional time to explore all Halifax has to offer (discoverhalifaxns.com).

Friday evening the host committee invites you to our signature event, the East Coast Kitchen Party at the Canadian Museum of Immigration. The museum is located, just a short walk from the hotel, in the Pier 21 national historic site at the Halifax seaport where nearly one million immigrants landed in Canada from 1928 to 1971. Join us for a cocktail hour featuring local Nova Scotia spirits and foods while touring the museum with the benefit of bilingual guides. This will be followed by a sumptuous meal featuring Nova Scotia grown and prepared foods. We then throw open our doors to the East Coast Kitchen Party with the East Coast band Merimac, guaranteed to get you on the dance floor!

Saturday Holstein Canada will host the annual general meeting and Master Breeder Gala.

We hope you can join us April 1-5, 2025, Our Doors are Open!

Schedule Overview

April 1

• Dairy Focus Speakers & Trade Show
• Holstein Canada Young Leaders Arrive

• Dairy Focus Speakers, Trade Show
• Holstein Canada Young Leaders In Class Day & Master Breeder Panel
• Explore Halifax Attractions & Restaurants
• Welcome Reception

• Farm Tour #1: Trivee, Lindenright, Expo
• Farm Tour #2: Lellavan, Bluenose, Sunnypoint, Coldstream Clear Distillery & Show Animal Viewing
• Farm Tour #3: Bokma, Ballam, Browntown, Coldstream Clear Distillery & Show Animal Viewing
• Alternative Tour: Three Annapolis Valley Wineries, Wine Tasting, and Acadian Dykelands a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Explore Halifax Attractions & Restaurants
• Meet & Greet Social

• Atlantic Spring Show
• East Coast Cocktail Hour & Meal
• East Coast Kitchen Party

• Holstein Canada AGM
• Master Breeder Gala